5 Questions For Jim Harbaugh

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh has found himself in the news a lot lately, and in the offseason that’s usually not a good thing. Harbaugh’s name was linked to a possible trade to the Cleveland Browns, and since that report came out the dysfunction within the 49ers organization has come to light.

The NFL is a business for everyone involved. While football is the ultimate team game, individuals often worry only about themselves and their own well-being, especially outside the lines. Harbaugh thinks himself to be the best coach in the NFL, which his three straight NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl visit in his three years as the 49ers HC may show.

Harbaugh wants to be the top paid coach in the NFL, but 49ers owner Jed York, who is already paying Harbaugh $5 million per year, is unwilling to shell out such a contract until Harbaugh wins a Super Bowl.

On top of this, there are also reports of tension between Harbaugh and 49ers GM Trent Baalke. Both of these men have dominant personalities, and as time has passed the two have worn on each other. If it becomes a power struggle in San Francisco, who does York stick with?

Both of these men are good at their jobs as the 49ers have had a stacked roster for years and have been to three straight NFC Championship games. But with the reports that Harbaugh was almost on his way out, could it be proof that York’s loyalty lies within his GM and not his HC?

There are plenty of questions that Harbaugh could be asked following the wake of the rumors, but these are the five I would ask him if I was given the chance.

How is your relationship with Jed York?

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Harbaugh would likely answer questions like these very politically. Harbaugh likely doesn’t have any personal problems with his boss, but Harbaugh’s desire for a new contract is creating tension. It could also lead to Harbaugh’s eventual departure from the 49ers.

How is your relationship with Trent Baalke?

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This is a huge question and would likely answer a few other questions. Both of these men have dominant personalities; are they butting heads as much as reported or is it all speculation and false stories for clicks?

Do you see yourself becoming HC for the Miami Dolphins, owned by fellow Michigan man Steve Ross?

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Ross attempted to lure Harbaugh to Miami before he signed with the 49ers. Ross, a fellow Michigan alumnus, is a very rich man who is not very frugal with his money. The Dolphins’ owner could make Harbaugh’s dream of being the highest paid coach in the league come true.

Do you feel you could have done with Cleveland what you did with the 49ers?

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This is a question I would ask just to gauge the confidence and arrogance of Harbaugh. Cleveland may be the most dysfunctional team in the NFL and if Harbaugh truly believed he was the best coach in the league, he would answer this question with an emphatic “of course!”